There is no doubt about it. A Touch of Zen is a milestone in martial arts cinema. Its unique style was groundbreaking, garnering accolades for director King Hu from across the globe. The exceptionally strong female character and her stoic actions piqued the interest of feminists everywhere a film festival was held well into the next decade after its initial release. It is best to enjoy this film in two parts, like it was originally shown in theaters. With an over 3 hour total running time, it could be an arduous task to savor the nuances that are, indeed, extraordinary. A special film that is over 35 years old plays like a 35 year old movie.